The festive season is full of fun but when mixing work and pleasure it can be easy to say and do things that can affect how you are perceived by your colleagues.

For many, the work Christmas party is a chance for workers to let their hair down over a few drinks with their colleagues. But every year trade union reps get reports of problems at Christmas parties that could have been avoided with a little planning and forethought.

One in 10 workers who have attended a work Christmas party admit embarrassing themselves in front of their boss. The poll, carried out for the TUC by YouGov, also reveals that two in five (40%) employees who have attended a work Christmas party have got drunk at their work Christmas do, with men (45%) more likely to over-indulge than women (35%).

The survey finds that, of those:

* one in 11 (9%) workers has thrown up;

* one in 12 (8%) employees has revealed something embarrassing about themselves to a colleague;

* more than a quarter (27%) of 18-24 year-olds have had a dance off with a co-worker, compared to only 8% of workers aged 25-39, 4% aged 40-49 and 3% who are 60 and over.

The polling comes as we publish our tips for a fuss-free festive bash.

To make sure the Christmas party is remembered for all the right reasons, the TUC makes the following suggestions to employers:

* if you’re going to be charging staff to come to the party, make sure it’s something all staff can afford, and don’t make people feel bad if they don’t want to come along. Whilst some staff will be happy to pay more for an extravagant celebration, it may be better to scale it back a little so everyone can enjoy it.

* ensure there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available for people who don’t drink and those want a break from the booze.

* the Christmas party isn’t the right time for managers to start talking about staff performance or other serious HR issues – keep it light and friendly

* look into travel arrangements so that everyone gets home safely. If you can, think about laying on transport home or at least provide the times of the last train and phone numbers for reputable local cab companies.

To make sure you make the most of the chance to let your hair down with your colleagues, the TUC suggests that workers:

* resist the temptation to complain about colleagues or ask your boss for a pay rise. Save these big conversations for office hours!

* be careful not to say or do anything which upsets or insults anyone if you are emboldened with ‘Christmas cheer’.